Biomass Maps, Tools & Resources

One of the barriers to successful integration of sustainable biomass into Northern Forest communities is lack of information. Working with partners, The Center has developed the tools described below to provide important missing information and spark discussion about the complex topic of biomass.

  • Community Roadmap to Renewable Woody Biomass Energy - 05/09/11

    The Center participated in a committee that supported the publication and promotion of the Community Roadmap to Renewable Woody Biomass Energy, a civic decision making tool meant for evaluating the viability of woody biomass heating systems for New Hampshire communities. This tool gives communities the opportunity to test if the cost savings and environmental benefits of woody biomass heating technologies fits their needs. 

    Contracted by North Country Resource Conservation and Development Area Council, Yellowwood Associates, Inc and Biomass Energy Resource Center partnered to develop the Roadmap. Plymouth State University was a lead partner in shaping the Roadmap.  The project received financial support from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) administered by the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission and the US Department of Energy.

    Roadmap FAQ (pdf)

    Using the Electronic Roadmap (pdf)

    Community Roadmap to Renewable Woody Biomass Energy (pdf)

    Roadmap Feedback Form (Word doc)
  • Biomass 101 Sessions - 04/19/11

    The Center and the Biomass Energy Resource Center (BERC) have partnered to hold “Biomass 101” sessions to inform community members about biomass basics, how to engage stakeholders when considering biomass projects, and which questions to ask to ensure community benefits come out of biomass projects. Over 40 people attended a session in Colebrook, NH during February. The Center and BERC worked with Adirondack North Country Association and the Wild Center to host a biomass workshop in the Adirondacks in April. The presentations can be found on BERC's website.
  • Biomass Visual Indices - 03/18/11

    The Center gathers information about renewable biomass energy activity in all four Northern Forest states. This information is organized into interactive informational maps that document existing and proposed renewable energy projects as well as the drivers that affect project viability.

    New Hampshire Biomass Visual Index
    Maine Biomass Visual Index
    Vermont Biomass Visual Index
    New York Biomass Visual Index
    Detailed instructions for reading the Visual Indices
  • NH Legislative Process Map - 02/27/11

    The Center developed a New Hampshire Legislative Process map for the Coos Community Benefits Alliance to help its members understand how they could influence state legislation that affects their community.  View the legislative process map or order an 18x71-inch print. The NH Center for Nonprofits hosts the map on their website and shares it at its legislative workshops.
  • Biomass Systems Diagram - 02/17/11

    The Center has created a simple systems diagram that shows the multiple complex factors involved in reaching sustainable biomass energy development. The system has the opportunity to produce any number of outcomes/outputs. The Center’s goal is to work with partners to support a system outcome that ensures sustainable development and use of biomass energy in the Northern Forest.